The Toybox

More than a century ago, Loren Eiseley wrote “The Star Thrower” – a story many of us are more familiar with in one of its many variations. In one of these variations, the narrator tells us of a man walking along the beach, tossing one starfish after another back into the ocean. When someone approaches him and ponders why the man is doing such a thing since there are so many starfish to save, he couldn’t possibly make a difference, the man tosses a starfish into the ocean, saying, “It made a difference to that one.”

Research for The Toybox had me delving into eye-opening and oftentimes brutal stories. Sadly, the global, world-wide reach of human and sex trafficking grows exponentially every day. And despite what people believe, victims come in all ages, ethnicities, and from all cultures and financial circles. To fight and stop this epidemic, to protect these individuals, we have to educate ourselves and be brave enough to SPEAK UP. Unfortunately, too many people want to look the other way, afraid to get involved – or be wrong. But if we suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, and we’re too afraid to reach out on their behalf, imagine how frightened that person is of the life they’re being forced to live. Often, these victims are under strict control of others, and they may be scared to reach out on their own because of personal threats against them or their families. They don’t know who they can trust, which is why it’s imperative we reach out for them.

For signs on what to look for and who to contact in case of suspected sex trafficking, please click on the following links. And remember, your choice to speak up could save more than one life.

https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/about/spot-the-signs

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/victim-assistance/national-human-trafficking-hotline

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/